Celtic Birth Trees 

  The Celts – The Celtic people were a strong and diverse race who occupied the British Isles and much of Western Europe centuries before the rise of the Roman Empire.  Their beliefs, kept by their spiritual and scholarly caste, the Druids, were based largely on the energies and balances of the natural and supernatural worlds.  It was a belief system strongly tied to equality between the masculine and feminine aspects of nature.  Druids could be either men or women and the Druidesses represented the spirits that lived in the trees.  To the Celts, plants, especially trees, were sacred and possessed their own spirits.  Each species was believed to represent a set of attributes, knowledge and wisdom. 

     The Celtic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and so has 13 months.  Each of these lunar cycles is linked to a particular tree.  Depending on the moon an individual is born under, a specific tree and its attributes is believed to govern that persons life.

The Birch · Dec 24 – Jan 20

Known as “The Lady of the Woods”, the birch symbolizes rebirth, renewal and inception.  People born under the birch moon tend to be determined, resilient and ambitious.  Birches make good leaders, being very goal oriented and organized.  They are hard working, trustworthy and loyal but may suffer from loneliness and pessimism.  Their most successful relationships often come later in life.  Without goals and focus in their lives, Birches often become unhappy and depressed.

The Rowan · Jan 21 – Feb 17

Known as “the Lady of the Mountains”, Rowan trees were planted near doors and gates to ward against evil.  People born under the Rowan moon are visionaries, progressive thinkers and strongly humanitarian.  Artistic and spiritual, Rowans thrive on change and without outlets for their imaginations they will become restless. They are kind and thoughtful, but may have problems following rules. Rowans can have successful relationships provided their partner is like minded.  They are supportive, loving parents but expect independence in their children.

The Ash · Feb 18 – March 17

Ash trees were believed to be enchanted and the wood was used to make Druid wands and staffs.  People born under the Ash moon tend to have a dual nature; artistic and vulnerable on one hand, pragmatic on the other.  Sensitive and compassionate by nature, Ashes are animal lovers and posses a great ability to alleviate suffering. Loving, romantic and spontaneous, Ashes make considerate friends, wonderful sweethearts and loving parents.  Ashes have a talent for making money but may not always follow projects through to the end.

The Alder · March 18 - April 14

Linked to both male and female aspects, Alders represent balance and the ever changing spirit.  Individuals born under the Alder moon are adventurous and restless.  Enthusiastic and brave, Alders can also be selfish and temperamental.   They have a good sense of humor and are affectionate and accommodating by nature.  Alders are uncomplicated people and will express their opinions openly so need to be conscious of diplomacy.    They are passionate and loving and often marry quickly.  Alders are among the best of parents.

The Willow · Apr 15 – May 12

Symbolic of the feminine aspects of nature, Willow trees represent the rhythm of life.   People born under the Willow moon are articulate, strong-willed and resourceful.  Willows are prone to mood swings which may make them difficult to get close to. They can be great friends but also make powerful enemies.  Practical and inventive, Willows may also have overactive imaginations.  They often marry young and are very protective of family.  Willows have strong convictions and make very good, nurturing parents.

The Hawthorn · May 13 – Jun 9

Hawthorn trees were believed to bring good luck to owners and prosperity to the land in which they grew. They represent psychic protection. Those born under the Hawthorn moon are innovative, spontaneous and charismatic.  Honest, sincere and sympathetic, Hawthorns make good listeners.  They crave mental stimulus and become bored easily.  Hawthorns make wonderful parents and are not easily fooled by their children.  They posses a sharp sense of humor and often seem ageless in appearance and character.

The Oak · Jun 10 – Jul 7 

 The principal sacred tree of the Celts, Oaks symbolize truth and knowledge.  Doors made of Oak were believed to keep out evil.  People born under the Oak moon are self – motivated, determined and responsible.  They are natural leaders with great integrity and are calm under pressure.  Optimistic and possessing a good sense of humor, oaks make wonderful friends.  They can, however, be vain and are often naïve, especially in matters of romance.  Oaks are very philosophical and place great emphasis on moral issues.

The Holly · Jul 8 – Aug 4

Associated with good will and love, holly trees were planted near homes to ward off demons and enemies.  Those born under the Holly moon are steadfast, practical and efficient.  They have a good head for business and strong sense of integrity.  Hollies prefer to assist others rather than lead and, though very influential, are more comfortable working behind the scenes.  They are down to earth and affectionate but can be over protective and sensitive to criticism.  Hollies make tolerant and supportive spouses and usually have many friends.

The Hazel · Aug 5 – Sep 1

Considered “The Tree of Wisdom” it was believed that skills and knowledge could be gained by eating the nuts of the Hazel tree.  People born under the Hazel moon are clever, perceptive and posses good reasoning skills.  Hazels crave knowledge and are imaginative, radical thinkers.  They are artistic but usually create useful and practical as well as beautiful works.  Hazels are rational and organized people.  They tend to be cool and reserved though may become paranoid and suffer headaches if their mental energies are not properly channeled.  Hazels are loving but often overindulgent with spouses and children.

The Vine · Sep 2 – Sep 29

Grape vines represent sacred knowledge and are symbolic of sensuality and emotion.  In cool Celtic climates, the vines required extra care and were greatly prized for their fruit.  Those born under the Vine moon are authoritative with high personal standards.  Vines have somewhat dual personalities; joyful one moment, moody the next.  This trait can be a strain on relationships. Though they may seem cool and detached, Vines can be sensitive and vulnerable on the inside and are often secret romantics.  They are kind, creative and social with a keen eye for detail and refined taste though they may tend to overindulgence and procrastination.

The Ivy · Sep 30 - Oct 27 

Representing the mysterious and mythical, Ivy’s ability to cling and bind make it a powerful symbol of strength and determination.  Ivy can take over and kill larger trees which lend it a rather sinister quality.  Those born under the Ivy moon are very talented, colorful individuals with their own sense of style.  Good natured and cheerful with a sharp intellect and sense of humor, Ivies are usually very artistic.  They make generous and caring parents with a strong faith in the natural balance of the world.  In relationships, Ivies are sensitive and supportive though may sometimes be too “clingy”.

The Reed · Oct 28 – Nov 24

  The Celts considered the Reed a tree because of its extensive root system.  The reed represents wisdom and scholarship as well as the mysteries of death.  The dead stalks tend to rattle and whisper in autumn winds, lending them a sense of magic and music.  The Reed itself is still used in musical instruments today.  Individuals born under the Reed moon are imaginative and complex with great strength of character.  They are tenacious and often have trouble showing weakness.  Reeds make good leaders, but can be childish at times.  With great presence and personal magnetism, Reeds are very attractive to others though they may repel the overly sensitive.  They make caring, passionate mates but are often very jealous.

The Elder · Nov 25 - Dec 23 

Known as “The Tree of the Faeries”, Elder trees were planted near homes to protect from evil and lightening (sense Elders are seldom struck).  People born under the Elder moon are extravagant and indulgent by nature, outspoken and self sufficient.  Elders dislike routine.  They thrive on change and seek mental and physical challenge. Their curiosity is insatiable and Elders will often travel far to gain the knowledge they seek.  They command respect, are ambitious and competitive but can also have great patience with others.  Elders are open and caring in their relationships but often lack good judgment in choosing friends and mates.